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CU #essentialprogressive Mixed By Aidan McGlynn (January 16)

Change Underground and Aidan McGlynn present a new podcast series, which showcases some of the shining lights from today’s scene. Here he takes you through the tracks on this month’s mix.

1. Juan Deminicis – ‘At Dawn’ – Dopamine

This track has a fantastic intro, and so it was perfect choice to kick off a new year. I love the blend of techno-sensibilities and warm melodies on this track.

Release date: 28/12/2015
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2. Stas Drive – ‘Intergalactic Summer (Just Her Remix)’ – Movement

I’ve liked pretty much everything I’ve heard from Just Her, both as a solo artist and as one half of Him_Self_Her, and this wicked remix of Stas Drive’s cool original is no exception. It’s dark and twisted, but with a lovely melodic touch too, and the strings during the breakdown are simply spine-tingling.

Release date: 18/1/2016
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3. Miss Melera – ‘Mint (Jonas Saalbach Edition)’ – Chapter 24

Jonas Saalback takes the best of Miss Melera’s ideas on ‘Mint’, and arranges them over a lovely progressive groove. It’s a masterful reinterpretation, perfectly balancing a deep melancholy with dancefloor-friendliness. My pick of a fantastic package from the ever-excellent Chapter 24.

Release date: 15/1/2016
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4. Tim Engelhardt – ‘Enigmatism’ – Poker Flat

The beautiful ‘Isa’ from Tim Engelhardt’s first EP on Poker Flat appeared on the first podcast in this series, and his work has been something of a fixture since them. This latest EP is possibly his best work yet, and the title track from the EP is stunning – it’s moving and elegant, and very restrained until the strings offer a bold tribute to a classic techno sound in the second half.

Release date: 11/12/2015
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5. Namatjira – ‘Nerrina’ – The Last of Us

Namatjira has been one of my favourite producers over the past couple of years, and this fantastic EP of warm progressive sounds is the best thing he’s done since he dropped his debut album last year, with this melodic gem of a track providing a particular highlight.

Release date: 25/1/2016
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6. Tash – ‘Mystic Path (Simos Tagias Remix) – Lowbit

Some support for Lowbit on this podcast is long overdue – they’ve been consistently one of the most exciting labels around for years now. Here I’ve picked this trippy, hypnotic, and driving remix of their latest release by Tash from man of the moment Simos Tagias.

Release date: 25/1/2015
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7. Moshic feat. Joe Elbaz – ‘Feed My Soul (Guy J Remix)’ – Lost & Found

Guy J takes Moshic’s track in a very different direction from the melancholy but deeply special original, with a rolling techy backdrop providing the stage for some of the most ear-catching bass parts I’ve heard for a while, from the squelches early on in the track to the stunning rising bass hook that forms the centrepiece of the remix. Guy J is careful not to lose contact with Moshic’s original, though, playing with snippets of Elbaz’s vocals, drenching the entire track in airy, atmospheric pads, and throwing in some glassy chimes for good measure.

Release date: 15/1/2015
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8. Jamie Stevens – ‘Solemn Pride’ – Tarnished Tracks

‘Solemn Pride’ sees Jamie Stevens back in vaguely the musical territory we found him exploring in his outstanding ‘My Tears Don’t Help Me’ last year on microCastle, with taut, menacing bass work and layered tuned percussion hooks, which take on a shimmering quality as the track progresses. The breakdown centres on Jamie Stevens’s beautiful, bubbly central hook and lovely chimes, as well as an evocative vocal sample and – of course – those omnipresent basslines. This is another work of art from Jamie Stevens – subtle, powerful, and beautiful all at the same time.

Release date: 25/1/2016
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9. Javier Portilla & Sotela – ‘Don’t Get Lost (Cid Inc Remix)’ – Moonchild

The original of this track is really gorgeous, but Cid Inc has taken it to new heights, tightening everything up and upping the energy levels, but without losing any of the magic – he really just perfected it.

Release date: 27/1/2016
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10. Problem Makers – ‘SoulShatter’ – Univack

I went back and forth on whether to include this version or the excellent David Granha remix of this track, but in the end this fitted better. The highlight is definitely the euphoric breakdown, which actually reminds me of the trance classic ‘Cape Town’ by Proglifter. A great note to leave things on, from the excellent Univack crew.

Release date: 28/12/2016
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